Despite going down to LionsXII on Saturday night at Jalan Besar stadium, Selangor FA coach Irfan Bakti did not believe that his opponents were the better side but added that his team were guilty of presenting the hosts with the only goal of the match.

“Even though in the second-half we had better possession, it is difficult to win if we can’t score any goal, It is tough.” said Irfan at the post-match conference.

“They are not exactly better but more aggressive than Selangor and the goal that they scored, is just a few seconds' lapse of concentration by us.

“It is the same kind of goal they scored against Armed Forces (ATM FA) last week. It is the same situation.”

When asked about his thoughts on their new foreign striker Francis Forkey Doe, who has yet to open his account for his new club, Irfan felt that it is still early in the season to pass judgment on the Liberian.

“It is still not yet his time to score any goal," he stressed. "This is only the second game, there are still twenty more games to go. But even though he did not score, I am satisfied as he is able to control himself mentally.”

Irfan also revealed that he had advised Foe before the game to remain calm should any unwanted incident happen during the match, referring to the alleged racial call made by the fans towards the striker when he was playing for Terengganu FA.

“I had told him not to react to any fans that might boo or do other things to him," he added. "I am happy as there is no racial call from the fans towards him like last season.”

“But nevertheless as a foreign player, he must buck up for the next game. It is normal to be frustrated when one loses.”

Selangor will next travel to Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium to face Foe’s former club, Terengganu on January 15 before hosting Dollah Salleh’s Pahang FA four days later.